Bureava crotonoides Baill.
Bureava crotonoides Baill. is a tropical plant native to Madagascar and found commonly in the eastern rainforests of the island.
Common Names
Bureava crotonoides Baill. is commonly known as 'Goutte de Sang’ in Madagascar, which translates to ‘drop of blood’ in English. The plant is also commonly referred to as ‘Madagascar blood drop plant’ in the Western world.
Uses
The plant is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its strikingly vibrant red color and unique leaf structure. Its unique appearance has made it a favorite among garden enthusiasts for use in indoor and outdoor planting. The leaves of Bureava crotonoides Baill. are also used in traditional medicine by some local communities in Madagascar to treat various ailments, such as toothache, earache, and respiratory issues.
General Appearance
Bureava crotonoides Baill. is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 meters in height. The leaves of the plant are thick, leathery, and glossy green with a prominent red mid-vein. The plant gets its common name ‘drop of blood’ due to the presence of bright red sap that oozes from the leaves and stem when cut or damaged. The red sap is not toxic, but it may cause skin irritation and should be avoided.
Light Requirements
Bureava crotonoides Baill. requires bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. When grown indoors, place the plant near a window that receives filtered sunlight or in a well-lit room with plenty of natural light. Too much direct sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch and turn brown, while too little light can lead to leggy growth and smaller leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures and thrives in average to high humidity. The ideal temperature range for Bureava crotonoides Baill. is between 60°F to 85°F (16°C to 29°C). Avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature changes or drafts, as this may cause stress and damage to the foliage.
Soil Requirements
Bureava crotonoides Baill. grows best in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. A good potting mix for this plant should contain a mixture of perlite, peat moss, and sand. Ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, as this may cause root rot.
Cultivation
Bureava crotonoides Baill. is an evergreen shrub that is native to tropical Africa. It is an easy plant to grow and can thrive both outdoors and indoors, provided it is given the right growing conditions.
If you are growing Bureava crotonoides Baill. outdoors, it is best to plant it in a well-draining soil in a location that receives partial shade. The plant needs protection from strong winds, which can damage the leaves and branches.
If you are growing Bureava crotonoides Baill. indoors, choose a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. The plant can also adapt to low light conditions, but it may not grow as vigorously.
Watering Needs
Bureava crotonoides Baill. prefers moist soil, but it cannot tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. In general, the plant will require more frequent watering during the growing season (spring and summer) and less frequent watering during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Fertilization
Bureava crotonoides Baill. is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize the plant once every two months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to prevent burning the roots.
Pruning
Bureava crotonoides Baill. may require pruning to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. You can remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and shape the plant as desired. Wear protective gloves when pruning the plant as the sap can irritate the skin.
Propagation of Bureava Crotonoides Baill.
Propagation is an essential process in expanding the population of Bureava Crotonoides Baill. This plant species is propagated in various methods, including:
1. Seeds
Seeds are commonly used in propagating Bureava Crotonoides Baill. To successfully germinate the seeds, one must start by obtaining fresh seeds directly from mature plants during the flowering and fruiting seasons. The seeds are then sown in a well-drained soil mixture, and the containers are placed in a warm environment with a temperature of 25?-30?. In about two to three weeks, the seeds will germinate, and during this period, the soil must be watered regularly to keep it moist throughout the seedling's development.
2. Stem Cuttings
Another method of propagating Bureava Crotonoides Baill. is through stem cuttings. This method of propagation is quicker than seed germination, and it creates genetically identical plants. To start with this method, take a cutting 6-8 inches long from a mature plant. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the lower end in a rooting hormone powder. Then, it's planted in a well-draining medium and kept moist until the roots develop.
3. Air Layering
Air layering is a method that allows Bureava Crotonoides Baill. to form new stems and roots using its own resources. This method involves cutting a stem partially and wrapping the cut area with a moist rooting medium and wrapping it with plastic to keep it moist. A root ball is usually formed in about two months, after which the newly rooted plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
4. Division
Division involves splitting the root structure of a mature plant into several portions and transplanting each part to its own pot or area. While this method works, it is not recommended for Bureava Crotonoides Baill. as it can be stressful for the plant and disrupt the natural growth patterns of the species.
In conclusion, Bureava Crotonoides Baill. can be propagated through various effective techniques that suit different situations. Through seed germination, stem cuttings, air layering, and division, gardeners can successfully multiply this plant species and develop a lush green garden.
Disease Management
Bureava crotonoides Baill. can be affected by fungal diseases like Anthracnose and Leaf Spot. Anthracnose is characterized by large, circular, sunken spots on leaves. The spots are usually brown and may have a yellow halo. Leaf Spot, on the other hand, manifests itself through minute spots which are at first light green, but soon become purplish, and finally dark brown with a yellow border.
The management of fungal diseases involves cultural and chemical approaches. Culturally, maintaining proper air circulation through pruning of overcrowded branches and clearing of debris around the plant is important. The use of disease-resistant seedlings will go a long way in preventing the occurrence and spread of these diseases. If not prevented, chemical approaches like the use of fungicides like copper-based fungicides and mancozeb will help to control the diseases. However, care should be taken to ensure that the fungicides are applied as per the manufacturer's instructions to avoid any environmental or human health risks.
Pest Management
Bureava crotonoides Baill. is also susceptible to pest infestations. Common pests that attack this plant include spider mites and scale insects. Spider mites are visible to the naked eye and cause yellow spots on the leaves. Scale insects, on the other hand, usually appear as small bumps on the bark or leaves of the plant and may cause yellowing and stunting of the leaves and stems.
Pest management can be achieved through cultural, biological, and chemical approaches. Culturally, maintaining proper hygiene of the plant by cutting off and disposing of affected branches and leaves will help to prevent pest infestations. The introduction of predators like ladybirds and lacewings is also an effective way of managing pests biologically. However, if the pests persist, the use of chemical controls like neem oil or insecticidal soaps may be necessary.
